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How to Fix 'Destination folder already exists' When Installing Google Listings and Ads

1 threads Sep 23, 2025 Plugin → Google for woocommerce

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Encountering the error message "Installation failed: Destination folder already exists" while trying to install the Google Listings and Ads plugin for WooCommerce is a common issue. This guide will explain why this happens and walk you through the steps to resolve it.

Why This Error Occurs

This error is WordPress's way of telling you that the plugin's files are already present in your website's wp-content/plugins directory. This typically happens for one of two reasons:

  • The plugin was previously installed but not activated.
  • A previous installation attempt was incomplete or failed, leaving the folder behind.

Solution 1: Activate the Plugin

In most cases, the plugin is already installed and simply needs to be activated.

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  3. Look for "Google Listings and Ads" in the list.
  4. If you see it, click the "Activate" link below its name.

Solution 2: Delete the Folder and Reinstall

If the plugin does not appear in your plugins list, you will need to manually remove the existing folder before you can install it again. This can be done via your hosting file manager or an FTP client like FileZilla.

Using an FTP Client (Recommended)

  1. Connect to your website using your FTP credentials.
  2. Navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
  3. Look for a folder named google-listings-and-ads.
  4. Right-click on the folder and select "Delete".
  5. Once the folder is deleted, return to your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins > Add New.
  6. Search for "Google Listings and Ads" and install it as you normally would.

Using Your Host's File Manager

  1. Log in to your web hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
  2. Open the File Manager application.
  3. Navigate to public_html/wp-content/plugins.
  4. Find the google-listings-and-ads folder, select it, and delete it.
  5. After deletion, you can proceed with a fresh installation from your WordPress admin.

What to Do If You Need Help

If you are uncomfortable accessing your site's files directly, your web hosting provider's support team can usually assist you in locating and deleting the plugin folder. They can perform this task quickly and safely.

By following these steps, you should be able to clear the error and successfully install the Google Listings and Ads plugin.

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